Youngsters from all corners of the Highlands are being encouraged to put pen to paper as a new competition aims to foster creativity in schools and nurseries across the north of Scotland.
Innes & Mackay has announced a schools creative writing competition to coincide with the firm’s 150th anniversary celebrations in 2024.
Primary and secondary school students are invited to submit short stories and poems on the theme of ‘new home’ – which can be interpreted however they wish.
Nursery pupils can also tackle an arty challenge to design a card that will be given to each of the firm’s estate agency clients on completion.
Laura Mackay, director of the Inverness-headquartered firm of solicitors and estate agents, said:
“We understand that creativity isn’t just for artists and writers – it’s a vital skill in every aspect of life, including business.
“If we’re drafting legal documents, helping clients navigate complex property transactions, or marketing homes, creative thinking plays a crucial role in finding innovative solutions and delivering exceptional service to our customers.
“We’re delighted to be providing an opportunity for young people across the Highlands to express their creativity and think about things in a different way.”
Every school and nursery in the Highlands has been provided with information on how pupils can enter, with entries being accepted until October 10, 2024.
Entry requirements include:
- Primary – A short story or poem on the theme of ‘new home’, max. 500 words.
- Secondary – A short story or poem on the theme of ‘new home’, max. 1,500 words.
- Nursery – Design a card welcoming people to their new home.
The winning stories and poems from the school categories will be announced after the October holidays, and will each bag their writers a £100 book voucher and a copy of a limited edition book collecting some of this year’s finest entries.
Four runners up in each category will also receive a £25 book voucher and copy of the book.
And every school whose pupils take part will receive a copy for their library.
The nursery winner will receive a £100 Smyths Toys voucher, and a pack of cards featuring their winning design – including one signed by the whole Innes & Mackay team to thank them for their efforts.
Four runners-up will also win a £25 Smyth’s voucher.
The winner’s school in each category will also receive a £500 donation from Innes & Mackay.
Laura added:
“For 150 years, Innes & Mackay has been a community-driven firm.
“From our early days supporting crofters in the landmark Bernera Riot trial to today supporting individuals and families across the north of Scotland, people are at the heart of everything we do.
“We’re proud to be a part of the Highland community, and celebrate the north of Scotland’s vibrancy.
“Whether through sponsorship of local events, support for charitable causes, or simply offering a helping hand, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in the region we call home.”
Innes & Mackay has been a constant presence in the Highlands for 150 years, providing a wide range of legal services to clients across the region from its base in Inverness.
The firm provides high-quality legal advice in property and land law, estate agency, family law, powers of attorney, wills, executries, and legal aid.
For more information about Innes & Mackay, visit www.innesmackay.com or follow the firm on social media on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram.
